There’s a new kid on the block in Melbourne’s most well-known beachfront suburb, St Kilda. Perched on bustling Fitzroy Street, this new stay from the Novotel brand blends a refreshed coastal look with exceptional alfresco dining (a must for any self-respecting Melbourne hotel) and the famous foreshore just a hop, skip and a jump away.
The coast and St Kilda’s landmarks are your neighbours
From its coveted spot on Fitzroy Street, St Kilda Beach, Luna Park and the Palais Theatre are all within easy walking distance. Take a walk along the foreshore, spend an hour at the amusement park or plan an evening around a show at the Palais. Acland Street adds cafés, cake shops and boutiques to browse.
Tram stops nearby also connect St Kilda with the city centre, making it straightforward to pair a beachside stay with galleries and city laneways. Visit on a Sunday for the Esplanade Market, bringing local makers and food traders to the foreshore.
For a memorable end to the day, head to St Kilda Pier and Breakwater to see some of Melbourne’s cutest residents, Little Penguins. The local colony returns to the rocks around sunset, and Phillip Island Nature Parks runs free, ticketed viewing sessions from an elevated boardwalk. Book ahead and follow the viewing rules: the penguins are wild, and the protected platform keeps visitors at a respectful distance.
Find St Kilda’s coastal character in redesigned rooms
After a major redesign, the hotel’s 80 rooms and suites draw on the natural colour of the neighbourhood, giving each room character while staying elegant and modern. Inside, you’ll find a coastal palette of crisp yellows, whites and sage greens, with local landmarks worked into the carpets and wall details.
Family rooms and interconnecting rooms mean that larger groups can enjoy a beachside city break with enough room to spread out. Kick it up a notch with The Suite, featuring a freestanding bathtub and lush views of the hotel’s vibrant garden. The light-filled internal garden atrium offers a moment to pause between the busy streets outside and the comfort of your room.
Urban Kitchen & Bar follows Fitzroy Street’s vibrant pace
Opening onto pulsating Fitzroy Street with alfresco seating, Urban Kitchen & Bar gives you an easy place to begin or end the day without leaving the neighbourhood. With modern Australian dishes shaped by seasonal Victorian produce, you can come down for breakfast, linger over a long lunch or stop in for shared plates and a drink before a show.
The bar shifts the mood from dining to an unhurried evening, with cocktails, local wines and Victorian beers on tap. Artisanal pizzas with fresh goats’ cheese, parsley garlic cream and white truffle oil are the perfect accompaniment to your favourite brew, and a private dining room provides a more intimate setting for a special occasion.
